Creamy Spaghetti Squash Au Gratin Casserole

🧡 Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Before we dive deep into cheesy, savory bliss, let’s talk about why this dish will become your next obsession.

1. Low in Guilt, High in Flavor

Swapping traditional pasta for spaghetti squash gives you a lighter, more nutritious base without compromising on taste. Think creamy, cheesy decadence—but without the post-carb coma!

2. Incredibly Satisfying

The combo of eggs, mozzarella, Parmesan, Greek yogurt, and garlic creates a dreamy, melt-in-your-mouth texture that’s hearty enough for dinner, yet elegant enough for guests.

3. Perfect Make-Ahead Meal

This dish stores beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep, dinner parties, or potlucks. Bake it once, enjoy it twice (or thrice!).

4. A New Way to Love Vegetables

If you or your family usually side-eye veggies, this is the gateway recipe. The creamy cheese and herbs transform spaghetti squash into something truly magical.

🎉 Introduction: From Squash to Star of the Show

Raise your hand if you’ve ever looked at a spaghetti squash and thought, “Now what?” You’re not alone. This underrated veggie often ends up as a forgotten side dish or plain pasta substitute.

But today, we’re flipping the script.

Creamy Spaghetti Squash Au Gratin is not just another low-carb bake. It’s a casserole that deserves applause. We’re talking velvety textures, melty cheese pulls, golden Parmesan crusts, and flavor that punches way above its weight.

Whether you’re keto-curious, a veggie lover, or just looking to jazz up your weeknight dinners, this recipe is your golden ticket to flavor town.

So grab that spaghetti squash and let’s make it the diva it was always meant to be.

🛒 Ingredients (With Measurements)

Let’s keep it simple and wholesome. Everything on this list is easy to find and easy to love.

Main Ingredients:

3 cups cooked spaghetti squash, pulled apart with a fork (about 1 medium squash)
2 large eggs
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup plain Greek yogurt (for that creamy tang)
2 tablespoons minced garlic
½ teaspoon dried thyme (adds herby depth)
Salt, to taste
Black pepper, to taste
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (for the crispy, golden topping)

Optional (but recommended) add-ins:

A pinch of crushed red pepper for heat
¼ teaspoon smoked paprika for added depth
Chopped chives or parsley for garnish

👨‍🍳 Step-by-Step Directions: Making Creamy Spaghetti Squash Au Gratin

You don’t need to be a professional chef to nail this. Just follow the steps below and let the oven work its magic.

🔥 Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

This ensures even cooking and helps that Parmesan topping get golden and bubbly.

🍝 Step 2: Cook and Prepare the Squash

If you haven’t already cooked your squash:

Cut the spaghetti squash in half lengthwise.
Scoop out the seeds.
Place cut side down on a baking sheet and roast for 35–40 minutes at 400°F (200°C).
Let it cool, then use a fork to pull apart the strands into “spaghetti.”

Set aside 3 packed cups of this golden goodness.

🥄 Step 3: Make the Creamy Mixture

In a large mixing bowl, combine:

Cooked squash
2 eggs
1 cup mozzarella
½ cup Greek yogurt

Stir until smooth and evenly mixed. The yogurt and eggs bind the casserole and make it ultra creamy.

🧄 Step 4: Season It Up

Add:

2 tablespoons minced garlic
½ teaspoon thyme
Salt and pepper to taste

Mix thoroughly to spread the seasoning evenly throughout the dish.

🧀 Step 5: Transfer & Top

Lightly grease a 9×9 inch casserole dish. Pour in the mixture and spread evenly.

Generously sprinkle ½ cup grated Parmesan on top for that signature au gratin crust.

🔥 Step 6: Bake Until Golden

Place the dish in the oven and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 30–35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the edges are bubbling.

🛑 Step 7: Let it Rest

Once out of the oven, let the casserole rest for 10 minutes. This helps everything set for neat, delicious slices.

🍽️ Step 8: Serve and Enjoy!

Slice, serve, and get ready for compliments. This dish pairs beautifully with a light salad or roasted veggies.

🍽️ How to Serve It: Ideas & Pairings

There’s more than one way to enjoy this delicious bake. Here are a few fun ways to serve it:

1. As a Main Dish

With its protein and healthy fats, this recipe can absolutely stand on its own. Serve with a side of sautéed spinach or steamed green beans for a complete meal.

2. With a Fresh Salad

Try a crisp arugula or Caesar salad for contrast. The creamy squash and the zesty salad play beautifully together.

3. Brunch Star

Serve warm slices with poached eggs on top for a savory brunch.

4. Party-Perfect Squares

Let it cool completely, cut into squares, and serve as warm finger food for parties.

🧊 Storage Tips: Keep It Creamy

Creamy Spaghetti Squash Au Gratin is perfect for meal prep. Here’s how to store it:

🧺 Refrigeration:

Fridge life: 4–5 days
Storage: Store in an airtight container or cover the casserole dish tightly with foil or plastic wrap.

❄️ Freezing:

Freeze individual slices for grab-and-go meals.
Wrap slices in foil or place them in freezer bags.
Freeze for up to 2 months.

To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge, then warm in the oven or microwave.

🔁 Reheating:

Microwave: 1–2 minutes per slice.
Oven: Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10–15 minutes until heated through.

❓ FAQs About Creamy Spaghetti Squash Au Gratin

1. Can I make this recipe keto?

Absolutely! This recipe is already low in carbs compared to traditional casseroles. You can reduce the Greek yogurt or swap it for sour cream to lower carbs even more.

2. What can I use instead of Greek yogurt?

Sour cream or cream cheese are great substitutes. They’ll offer similar creaminess with a slightly different tang.

3. How do I know when the casserole is done?

The top should be golden and slightly crispy, and the edges will bubble. If unsure, insert a knife—it should come out clean.

4. Can I add meat?

Yes! Shredded chicken, cooked bacon, or even ground turkey make excellent additions.

5. Is this gluten-free?

Yes—no flour, no breadcrumbs, just clean, wholesome ingredients.

6. Can I make it ahead of time?

Definitely. Prepare everything, cover, and refrigerate. Bake just before serving or reheat as needed.

7. What if I don’t have Parmesan?

Try Pecorino Romano or even a sharp cheddar. You want something that crisps up and adds a punch of flavor.

8. Can I double the recipe?

Totally! Use a larger casserole dish and extend the baking time by 5–10 minutes. Watch for that golden top!

9. Is it kid-friendly?

Yes! Most kids love the cheesy texture and mild flavor. Sneaky veggie win for parents!

10. What wines pair with this dish?

Try a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a light red like Pinot Noir. The acidity complements the creamy richness.

🎯 Final Thoughts: Your New Favorite Casserole

If you’re craving comfort food but want something a little more nutritious, Creamy Spaghetti Squash Au Gratin is calling your name.

It’s cozy, flavorful, and endlessly versatile—perfect for chilly evenings, Sunday dinners, or any night when you want a little indulgence without the guilt.

So next time you pass a spaghetti squash in the store, don’t walk past it—embrace it. Bake it. Smother it in cheese. And turn it into your new signature dish.